Ultimate SuperCoach formguide

Travis Varcoe takes off out of the Geelong defence on Saturday. Picture: Mitch Bear Source: Geelong Advertiser

OUR SuperCoach scouts review every game of the weekend and reveal who's burning and who's stinking it up.

Round 1 is getting nearer which means pre-season form is becoming more and more relevant - and it's only two weeks until the new Nissan SuperCoach season begins!

With matches in all corners of the country it can be hard to keep track of every potential bargain and breakout player, fortunately SuperFooty was keeping a close eye on the action from Casey Fields to Mandurah.

Essendon 119 d Greater Western Sydney 28

IN SHORT, it was a massacre. The Giants had no answers for a relentless Jobe Watson-led Bombers outfit set on adding the polish to an otherwise torrid pre-season off the field. After easing back into action last week, Watson was sublime and worth every bit of his $647,200 price tag. The Brownlow medallist helped himself to 31 disposals (at 93 per cent efficiency) including seven clearances and two goals. He also laid seven tackles to finish with 150 SuperCoach points.

There was also plenty to like about the way Michael Hibberd ($395,100 def) went about his business in the Hird v Sheedy stage-managed grudge match at Manuka Oval. Hibberd continued his excellent pre-season, amassing 24 disposals, a goal and 101 SuperCoach points and could be a unique option.

We liked what Tom Scully ($424,700 mid) brought to the table, finishing with 10 disposals, three clearances and eight tackles. The at-times maligned former top draft pick worked his guts out through the midfield and could be ready to answer his critics in 2013. Toby Greene ($506,300 mid) was again the Giants' standout but comes with a hefty price tag, especially for a second-year player.

There was an interesting battle going in the ruck division - between the two Bombers big men Paddy Ryder ($564,300 ruck/fwd) and Tom Bellchambers ($459,100 ruck). Both topped the 100 SuperCoach point mark, indicating they could both flourish in the same team this season. Not great news for David Hille. 

Did not play: Jonathan Giles, Joe Daniher

Adelaide 109 d Carlton 106

TEX or Mullet, call him what you like. But Carlton had front row tickets to the Taylor Walker show last Friday night. An inspired Walker ($536,000 fwd) led the Crows to victory with five goals including two nine-pointers. He demanded the footy and the Crows' star-studded midfield delivered and if you're thinking of defying the "no key forwards" rule in SuperCoach, he could be your man.

David Mackay ($405,000 mid) caught the eye with 16 disposals at 93 per cent efficiency. Mackay, who had seven inside-50s and four goal assists, looks an ideal selection for those in deep SuperCoach Draft leagues.

Scott Thompson ($591,000 mid) was everywhere and must be considered, while in blue and white Dennis Armfield ($343,400 mid/fwd) was one of the surprise packets of the weekend. The right-footer provided plenty of spark finishing with 13 disposals, three clearances and eight tackles. He also kicked two goals at opportune times during the hotly-contested match at West Lakes. Oh, and he ran down two-time Grand Final sprint champion Patrick Dangerfield twice. Yes, you read it right. Twice!

Dangerfield had an unusually quiet game but don't read too much into his 16 touches after he was subbed out at three-quarter time. Of perhaps more concern was Rory Sloane ($567,700 mid) collecting just 11 disposals from more than 90 per cent game time.

But you can confidently put Brad Crouch ($115,900 mid) on your midfield bench after another impressive display, finding the ball 15 times at 80 per cent efficiency.

Meanwhile, gone are the days of Brock McLean ($568,600 mid) living in the shadows of Marc Murphy, Andrew Carrazzo and Co. A blue collar gun, McLean had the ball on a string in the last quarter and almost single-handedly dragged the Blues over the line. He finished with 109 SuperCoach points for the night.

Did not play: Bryce Gibbs, Chris Judd, Sam Kerridge

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Richmond 85 d Hawthorn 84

USUAL suspects Sam Mitchell (111 SuperCoach points), Brett Deledio (123), Trent Cotchin (110 and Jarryd Roughead (five goals) put in strong tune-ups for the season proper at Launceston. But it was the form of young Hawks midfielder Bradley Hill ($152,000 mid) which caught our eye. Hill, the younger brother of Fremantle's Stephen, was busy in the clinches amassing 22 disposals including four inside-50s. After the loss of Matthew Suckling ($442,400 def) to a knee injury, there could well be a spot for the young bolter off half-back.

Bachar Houli ($444,800 def) looks primed for a big season off half-back using his dash to pick up 24 disposals, nine marks and a goal, while developing backman Brandon Ellis ($300,100 def) is another worth the investment after a solid pre-season and NAB Cup campaign. Ellis clunked 10 marks at the weekend.

Did not play: Lance Franklin, Brad Sewell, Cyril Rioli, Brian Lake, Chris Knights, Nick Vlastuin

St Kilda 91 d Melbourne 66

MR Consistent Nick Dal Santo ($544,800 mid) put on the finishing touches to his 2013 preparations at Casey Fields. Dal Santo, who averaged a tick over 100 last year, had 19 polished disposals, four tackles, a goal and 102 SuperCoach points against the Dees.

His midfield mate Leigh Montagna ($530,700 mid) is a touch cheaper and looks an excellent option as an under-priced premium. He hasn't missed a beat this pre-season, picking up 21 disposals and 116 SuperCoach points on Saturday.

Forward rookie option Tom Lee ($115,900 fwd) provided a strong marking option inside the arc but his kicking let him down. The West Australian mature-aged recruit had four shots on goal for four behinds. With limited bench options up forward, he could be worth the investment at a rock bottom price.

Another young Saint to keep in mind is Jack Newnes ($299,500 mid), who is set to be given more opportunities in the midfield in his second season. He's an awkward price but on Saturday's evidence - 17 disposals and 97 SuperCoach points - he could be worth the punt.

James Magner ($317,200 mid) was the pick of the Demons' midfielders with 19 disposals – nine contested – seven tackles and six marks. Unfortunately he doesn't offer the same value as last season.

It wasn't a great day if you have plenty of Demons in your SuperCoach squad - consider these numbers: Jack Watts 11 disposals, Jack Grimes 10, Cam Pedersen 11, Shannon Byrnes eight.

More encouraging was the performance of mature-age defender Dean Terlich ($109,500 def) who collected the footy 16 times and looks a safe pick.

And where is Jack Viney ($109,500 mid)? The boom father-son recruit has been left out of Melbourne's squads the past two weeks after making his debut in Round 1 of the NAB Cup.

Did not play: Jack Viney

Leigh Montagna battles with Matt Jones during the Melbourne vs St Kilda NAB Cup match at Casey Fields. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

Geelong 96 d North Melbourne 84

THE flukey Steve Johnson ($516,700 mid/fwd) has been replaced by a warrior with a ferocious attack on the contest. And the Kangaroos felt the wrath of Johnson's well documented move into the midfield. The triple-premiership Cat had five clearances, 20 disposals – nine contested – and led all-comers in the tackling department with nine to score a tidy 115 SuperCoach points. Watch out in 2013.

Paul Chapman ($535,600 fwd/mid) starred in the dogged victory with three last-quarter goals to rack up 128 SuperCoach points while young guns Jordan Murdoch, George Horlin-Smith and Steven Motlop will all feature prominently at the Cattery in 2013.

Travis Varcoe ($268,900 mid/fwd) will be a popular pick this season and he will play every week, but don't expect huge scores every week. He showed flashes of brilliance on Saturday but added just nine disposals to the stats sheet.

The Kangaroos ruck battle is looming as one of the big SuperCoach stories of the pre-season. Ex-Swan Daniel Currie ($109,500 ruc) was given the chance to ruck solo (against an admittedly under-strength Geelong ruck division) and grabbed it with both hands, knocking down 38 hitouts for 109 SuperCoach points. Not great news for Todd Goldstein ($497,900 ruck), who was running around in the VFL, but great for SuperCoach.

Currie shapes as the steal of the season. He should be on your bench, but could you go one step further and start him on the field?

Andrew Swallow ($585,100 mid) brushed off an ankle injury to make his presence felt with 19 disposals including seven clearances. The skipper laid six tackles, equal with Keiran Harper ($275,500 fwd) and one ahead of walking highlights reel Majak Daw ($115,900 ruck).

The Roos' mid-priced onball brigade delivered mid-tier performances: Jack Ziebell 14 disposals, Ben Cunnington 14, Ryan Bastinac 14 and Shaun Atley 11.

Did not play: Todd Goldstein

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Fremantle 146 d Western Bulldogs 37

IF Nat Fyfe ($498,800 mid) can keep his left shoulder intact, watch out! The classy midfielder was dominant in the Dockers' demolition of the Bulldogs with 30 disposals (17 contested), eight clearances and 130 SuperCoach points. He threw a scare through the Freo camp and the SuperCoach world when he went off late in the third quarter clutching his shoulder, but he played out the final term with no obvious discomfort. At that price, you have to take the risk.

Paul Duffield ($496,700 def) matched Fyfe with 130 SuperCoach points of his own, having it all his own way in defence while Matthew Pavlich ($593,900 fwd) kicked three goals in his first game of the pre-season and should be cherry ripe for Round 1.

The Dogs left half their team in Melbourne but there was a shining light in former Eagle Koby Stevens ($176,600 mid) who finished with 23 disposals including 12 contested possessions. Add seven clearances and four inside-50s for 105 SuperCoach points - and Brendan McCartney promising more midfield time post-match - and he shapes as an excellent cheap option.

Did not play: Ryan Griffen, Matthew Boyd, Will Minson, Robert Murphy.

Brisbane 88 d Collingwood 54

IT'S hard not to be seduced by the in-form Lions. Patrick Karnezis ($262,200 fwd) is an exciting talent who appears to be relishing his move further up the ground. Brent Moloney ($363,400 mid) has a new hunger after being given a second chance by Michael Voss.

Aaron Cornelius ($256,200 fwd) remains a risk despite his hot streak kicking eight goals in two weeks. The forward is far from a certainty to keep his spot in the team banished to the NEAFL regularly last year during the home-and-away season.

Daniel Rich ($485,800 mid) is ticking all the boxes for a breakout season  and had 25 disposals, a goal and 131 SuperCoach points on Saturday night. And Tom Rockliff ($520,500 fwd/mid) seems ready to bounce back after a disappointing finish to 2012 as a quality midfielder although his disposal let him down this week, scoring 100 SuperCoach points from 27 touches.

Steele Sidebottom ($568,400 mid, 27 disposals) and Dayne Beams ($657,600, 23 disposals) were the Pies' best, with Beams' effort including seven clearances and four inside-50s.

Youngsters Ben Kennedy, Paul Seedsman and Kyle Martin played well and should get their chances in 2013. Seedsman ($239,300 mid) looks the front-runner for a regular spot in the Magpies' best 22, just ahead of Kennedy ($109,500 fwd/mid), who finished with 19 possessions and a goal against the Lions.

Brent Macaffer ($128,000 fwd) played most of the game in the forward pocket and managed 10 disposals.

A big blow for SuperCoaches was the late withdrawal of Lions ruckman Matthew Leuenberger ($301,100 ruck). Berger is in plenty of teams but has so far has just one quarter of match practice this pre-season, which must put a big question mark over him early in the season.

Did not play: Dane Swan, Scott Pendlebury, Dale Thomas, Travis Cloke, Matthew Leuenberger

Brent Moloney fires off a handball against Collingwood. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Sydney 80 d Gold Coast 44

JARRAD McVeigh ($526,000 mid) probably isn't the first midfielder on your SuperCoach radar but based on this pre-season, he should be. The co-captain ran riot against the Suns, picking 35 disposals, eight clearances and 146 SuperCoach points. Had he kicked straight (four behinds) it could have been the performance of the pre-season. Josh Kennedy ($643,000 mid) also had a field day with 28 touches, 12 clearances and 124 SuperCoach points.

Veterans Adam Goodes ($479,900 fwd) and Shane Mumford ($486,900 ruck) were eased back in their first pre-season hitouts and got through unscathed. Luke Parker ($379,500 mid) was solid.

Jaeger O'Meara ($115,900 mid) put in the performance we've all been waiting for collecting 24 disposals (15 contested) and seven clearances. The boy wonder had eight inside-50s and four tackles. The only let-down was his poor disposal efficiency (41 per cent) and five clangers.

Greg Broughton ($441,900 def/fwd) can't be ruled out given his point-scoring ability and dual position status. The former Docker had 19 possessions a hand in one of the Suns' six goals.

If you're considering Zac Smith ($375,900 ruck) as a cheap ruck option, best to look away now. He had two disposals for the night - although to be fair he was subbed out at halftime.

Did not play: Gary Ablett

Port Adelaide 92 d West Coast 86

BRAD Ebert ($535,300 mid) was the pick of the Port midfielders with 19 disposals and 11 marks. Ebert also had six inside-50s and laid five tackles. New skipper Travis Boak ($481,500 mid) led by example with 12 contested (24 overall) possessions, also adding eight inside-50s and five clearances to his tally.

Ollie Wines ($169,500 mid) attacked every contest as if it was his last finishing with 16 possessions (11 contested) and four tackles. Pre-season ball magnet Kane Mitchell ($126,200 mid) had just three disposals after being given a run-with role on Shannon Hurn. Hopefully we don't see much more of that during the home-and-away season.

Some of the other Port cheapies we sang the praises of last week were also quiet, with Sam Colquhoun ($109,500 def/mid) collecting nine disposals, Lewis Stevenson ($115,900 def) 10 and Jake Neade ($115,9009 fwd) eight.

Despite the unexpected loss, the Eagles can take solace from the fact Josh Kennedy ($299,600 fwd) is back to his devastating best. The key forward, who missed the bulk of last year with foot problems, booted 5.3 in a dominant performance inside the arc.

Follow Gilbert Gardiner on Twitter @gilbertgardiner

Follow Al Paton on Twitter @al_superfooty

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Hurley ankle scare

Michael Hurley fights for the ball during the Round 2 NAB Cup match at Wangaratta. Source: Getty Images

ESSENSON is confident Michael Hurley will play in the season-opener against Adelaide despite the star forward wearing a moonboot to protect an injured ankle.

Hurley sustained the injury in the Bombers' easy win against Greater Western Sydney in Canberra on Friday.

The Bombers have this weekend off before their March 22 clash with the Crows.

While Hurley climbed onto the stage in his moonboot at the club's family day today, teammate Brent Stanton said he had assured the club he would be ready.

"It's a lot more precautionary than probably what you can see from the outside," Stanton said.

"He's confident, so is the doctor and so are the coaches.

"He's come in this morning - he's done extensive rehab over the last couple of days.

"But he's reassured us that it's just a general rolled ankle and he's going to be right to go in two weeks' time against Adelaide."

Stanton said the Bombers were content with their preparation after the 91-point thrashing of GWS, despite the Giants managing just three scoring shots in the the second half.

"GWS still had a very good crack at us and we were able to withstand it," Stanton said.

"We played the way we wanted to play - we were pretty happy with that.

"But we've still got a long way in terms of where we want to get to in our defensive structures."

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Essendon season preview

2013 preview: The arrival of Brendon Goddard won't be enough to push the Bombers into the top eight, says Fox Footy expert Brad Johnson.

Essendon coach James Hird has plenty on his mind. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Can Essendon overcome the off-field distractions to feature in the finals in 2013?

The cliche "pre-season from hell" doesn't even begin to describe what the Bombers have been through.

The supplements scandal has been discussed in detail elsewhere, suffice to say it can't be easy to concentrate on playing footy when the club is in the middle of multiple investigations that could drag coaches and players before interrogators at any moment.

With all the other news around the club, Essendon's dramatic form slump last season has largely been forgotten.

Essendon won eight of its first nine games in 2012 - then three of their next 13.

Individual players suffered huge form reversals - Brent Stanton and Stewart Crameri were highlighted, but they weren't alone - injuries struck and the Bombers even forgot how to kick, going from one of the highest kicking effiency ranking teams to second last ahead of only GWS.

Exclusive video: Watch Fox Footy expert Brad Johnson answer the hard questions about the Bombers in the video player above

So where does all that leave the Bombers entering 2013?

In terms of personnel, not a lot has changed although the one arrival is significant - former Saint Brendon Goddard.

Goddard can fill two desperate needs at Windy Hill - pinpoint kicking and offer some help for Jobe Watson in the middle of the ground.

As good as Jobe is - and he is very, very good - he has been left to do it all on his own for far too long.

Check out our top Essendon SuperCoach picks here

The other significant addition to the list is boom father-son recruit Joe Daniher, but don't expect too much of him this season.

The fate of the Bombers in 2013 is again likely to come down to the same names we have been talking about for years.

Picture gallery: Essendon family day

Will Paddy Ryder become the consistently dominant ruckman he has threatened to become? Will Michael Hurley take the competition by the scruff of the neck? Can David Myers, Jake Melksham and Tom Bellchambers go from promising to outstanding?

We are likely to have a lot more answers about Essendon - on and off the field - in the next few months. Watch this space.

Check out our previous team previews here:

Adelaide - Tippett leaves huge hole

Brisbane - Fate rests on Browny's shoulders

Carlton - Mick the messiah

Collingwood - good but not good enough

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Kosi's career on the line

Justin Koschitzke kicks at goal. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

ST KILDA forward Justin Koschitzke says he is competing with young ruckman Tom Hickey for a spot in the Saints' best 22.

The 31-year-old says he has given no guarantees by Scott Watters of getting a game as St Kilda tries to find its next generation of players.

And Koschitzke says while he has made no decisions about his future, he is treating this season as his last.

"I've got a pretty clear message that I'm fighting for a spot," Koschitzke told The Border Mail.

"The club's keen for me to play but the coach has been pretty direct in telling me that I need to put my best foot forward each week.

"Reputations are out the window because we've got some good kids coming through."

Koschitzke, a former No.2 draft pick, said he would continue to play as a key forward who could pinch-hit in the ruck to offer support to Ben McEvoy.

That puts him in direct competition with young big man Hickey, traded from Gold Coast at the end of last season, while young forward Tom Lee is competing to be another tall target in front of goal.

"Benny McEvoy is really coming along and has turned into a solid player," Koschitzke said.

"(Tom) Hickey is a promising young player who can take a catch, as well.

"I'm directly competing with him, probably, depending on our structures."

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Walker's 'catch' goes global

Carlton's Andrew Walker climbs over Adelaide's Sam Shaw to take a screamer in Friday night's NAB Cup match. Picture: Morne de Klerk. Source: Getty Images

CARLTON high flyer Andrew Walker nearly won mark of the year in 2011 and this year has already taken the "catch" which has been seen around the world.

Vision of Walker's leap over Adelaide's Sam Shaw on Saturday night quickly made it on to the internet, sending Twitter into a frenzy and had non-Australians tweeting in amazement at his effort.

Proving a great sporting effort gets universal applause, it didn't matter a lot of them didn't quite know what they were watching.

US sports website thebiglead.com reported an "Australian rules football player climbs up an opponent's back to make a spectacular catch".

"It's like an outfielder climbing a wall to rob a home run, but the wall is a person who is also trying to catch the baseball and the wall is trying to tackle you and dump you on your head," was how Walker's efforts were described.

Those who witnessed something different to what they were used to on the website, linked to USA Today, weren't sure what to make of it.

"Unfortunately in the NFL that would be called pass interference," one commented.

"Why wear booty shorts? It's like they are stuck in the '70s," said another.

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse was encouraged, despite the three-point loss to the Crows.

"We missed shots at goal . . . that should have been put away," he said.

"We may be a couple of weeks away from getting the next part of the execution right. Who knows? It may be months. I still think there are a lot more things that are on the up."

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Voss anger at AFL Brisbane snub

Brisbane coach Michael Voss reckons the Lions were controlled in using the ball during their NAB Cup win against Collingwood.

AN angry Brisbane Lions coach Michael Voss has smashed the AFL for denying his side a home NAB Cup final.

The Lions will face Carlton in the pre-season decider on Friday night, but despite being the only undefeated side in the competition, will be made to travel back to enemy territory at Etihad Stadium.

"It's very disappointing. Which issue do you want to raise?" Voss said.

"Do you want to raise the fact we've lost the chance to advertise our game in the south east of Queensland?

"Or do you want to raise that if the Gold Coast were playing this game whether they would be playing in Queensland?

Brisbane coach Michael Voss prepares to talk to his players in the NAB Cup match against Collingwood. Picture: Robert Prezioso.

"We're happy to come down here because we've got a Victorian supporter base and they're terrific.

"But the NRL has already started their season and we've got two Queensland teams who aren't playing in Queensland this weekend.

"We haven't played a home match at all and we're not going to ... clearly it's not acceptable."

NAB Cup final round schedule

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley reckons the Pie's NAB Cup match with the Brisbane Lions was 'terrible.'

The Gabba is unavailable due to cricket commitments. The Suns' Metricon Stadium loomed as the next-best option, but the AFL has chosen Etihad because it believes it will attract the biggest possible attendance.

Voss, who had been encouraged by watching his side storm over a depleted Collingwood in the second half to win by 34 points last night, was visibly angered when the line of questioning moved to the venue for Friday's night's Grand Final.

"It's captain's call so we move on, but I just think we've lost a terrific opportunity," Voss said.

"We're trying to grow our own supporter base, we've had a tough couple of years and we're trying to grow it again and any opportunity you get to do that why wouldn't we be doing it? I don't understand.

"We sit up here as ambassadors of the game, we're in the northern outpost trying to grow the game.

"We've missed a chance to grow our supporter base against another code that happens to be the dominant, No.1 code in our state.

"We've missed that chance and that leaves me quite angry because I've been up there for 20 plus years."

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley did a double-take when told the Brisbane-Carlton match would not be played in Queensland.

"Where is it?" Buckley said.

"We discussed it late in the game in the box that clearly Brisbane are the undefeated side and they get home ground advantage, so we presumed the game would be at Metricon.

"Vossy has got every right to be disappointed."

Buckley described last night's loss as "terrible game of footy", but praised several of his younger players in what was an experimental line-up. Dane Swan, Scott Pendlebury, Heath Shaw and Travis Cloke were all rested.

Asked about Swan's unauthorised TV interview, Buckley said his star player deserved to be fined.

"Our players know the rules and Dane and his management didn't follow the rules so it's pretty simple," he said.

"There was a commercial gain individually for something that he didn't follow the collective protocols. Dane knows it, I know it, 'Perty' (CEO Gary Pert) knows it, every player at the football club knows it, so it was a no-brainer.

"It's pretty simple, If you don't follow the expectations and needs and demands of the football club you cop your whack and move on.

"It's not a huge issue, but five grand is not a sniff of money, there's a fair bit there and I dare say that 'Swanny' would understand you couldn't do it the same way next time.

"It doesn't take away any of the positives that we're seeing from a football perspective. He or his management, whoever was responsible for letting (people) know what was going on, made a poor decision."

Last night's match started in sauna-like conditions - the mercury was still 32C at the opening bounce - and both sides rotated to the extreme.

With the controversial interchange cap lifted due to the heat, Collingwood finished with an extraordinary 168 rotations and Brisbane 143.

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NAB Cup final round schedule

BRISBANE have been forced to travel to Melbourne for the NAB Cup grand final, but where are the other teams playing?

Despite finishing on top of the NAB Cup ladder, the Lions will take on the Blues at Etihad Stadium next Friday night.

Join SuperFooty for live coverage of that match from 7.30pm AEDT.

Next weekend's practice matches kick off with the Magpies making a rare trip down the highway to Simmonds Stadium to play the Cats. Here's the full list of AFL practice matches.

All AFL members will get in free to see their side play.

Friday March 15
Geelong v Collingwood at Simonds Stadium, 4pm

Saturday March 16
Gold Coast v Melbourne at Southport, 11.30am
Port Adelaide v Sydney Swans at AAMI Stadium, 1pm

North Melbourne v Hawthorn at Craigieburn, 2pm
Richmond v Western Bulldogs at Visy Park, 2pm
GWS v St Kilda at Blacktown International Sportspark, 2pm

SuperFooty will have match reports from all matches across Friday and Saturday.

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Porplyzia out of hospital

Adelaide forward Jason Porplyzia is in line for Round 1 after going into hospital with stomach ulcers. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

CROWS specialist forward Jason Porplyzia is out of hospital today after suffering severe stomach pains - caused by an ulcer - after the NAB Cup win against Carlton on Friday.

Porplyzia was mystified by the pain after recalling no hit to his torso during Adelaide's three-point win against the Blues.

Tests later revealed a stomach ulcer.

He is still in contention for Adelaide's season-opener against Essendon at AAMI Park on Friday week.

"Jason will have a light week and be back into full training in the week leading up to the Essendon game,'' Adelaide football operations chief Phil Harper said today. "He's still in line for Round 1.''

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Hawks fear worst for Suckling

Matthew Suckling injured his knee in this contest during today's NAB Cup match against Richmond. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

Matthew Suckling injured his knee in this contest during today's NAB Cup match against Richmond. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

HAWTHORN has been dealt a blow with superboot Matthew Suckling suffering what appears to be a serious knee injury.

ALASTAIR Clarkson's dislike for the NAB Cup grew deeper yesterday when Hawthorn midfielder Matt Suckling left Aurora Stadium on crutches and seems destined for a season-ending knee reconstruction.

The Hawks' coach, who has labelled the AFL's preseason competition as a TV gimmick and nightmare for coaches, resigned himself to the fact that 25-year-old Suckling's year is over.

Statistically Hawthorn's best rebounding defender last season, Suckling spent the NAB Cup making his case for a spot further upfield with the departure of hard-running Hawk Clinton Young to Collingwood.

Suckling's knee gave way while he was evading a tackle from Richmond defender Troy Chaplin at the seven minute mark of the third quarter of their one-point NAB Cup loss to Richmond in Launceston yesterday.

Suckling will know his fate tomorrow after tests in Melbourne.

"It's more than likely going to be an ACL, and that's a great disappointment for us," Clarkson said.

Click for breaking news and match day coverage

"We've had five knee reconstructions in the past 12 months and that's the brutal nature of the game."

The Hawks coach is already dirty on the AFL for announcing its plan the slash interchange rotations from a league average of 130 per game to a cap of 80 next year.

"Once again, it (Suckling's injury) focuses on how important it is for us all to give serious consideration to the demands of this game on our players," Clarkson said.

"It's a very demanding game, in my view the most difficult ball sport to play in the world.

"We need to be especially mindful of the loads on our players."

The preseason competition, Clarkson said, was the most dangerous time for players.

"Most knee reconstructions happen either in the NAB Cup series or the first five or six rounds of the season," he said.

"We'll get the occasional one after their bodies are hardened and are match-conditioned.

"But this is a real precarious time for the players and unfortunately you're going to lose someone along the way and unfortunately we lost Suckling today.

"That's disappointing, but we'll have to replace him with another bloke and forge on."

Matthew Suckling injured his knee in this contest during today's NAB Cup match against Richmond. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

Hawthorn lost its fourth consecutive NAB Cup match yesterday, going down to the Tigers, who won 0.13..7 (85) to 0.13.6 (84).

Clarkson took solace from the loss,

"They (Richmond) looked to be in control of the contest but we hung in there and that was really pleasing," he said.

"We've played a lot of our young players over the series.

"Interestingly, us and Sydney sit on the bottom of the NAB Cup ladder.

"It's all because our preparations are a lot different to a lot of the sides.

"All four sides we played (Gold Coast, Brisbane, Bulldogs and Tigers) didn't play finals last year so they've had longer campaigns than us.

"We'll get our side a lot more stable over the next few weeks leading into the Geelong game in round one."

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Jacks leads Tiges to victory

Jack Riewoldt kicked three goals in Richmond's NAB Cup victory over Hawthorn. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

A GOAL after the final siren from Richmond star Jack Riewoldt has given the Tigers a heart-stopping one-point AFL pre-season cup win over Hawthorn at Aurora Stadium.

Riewoldt nailed the difficult six-pointer from wide to the left to hand Richmond a 0.13.7(85) to 0.13.6(84) victory after a seesawing final quarter in which the lead changed six times.

The victory gave Richmond a 3-1 record for the pre-season and left grand finalists the Hawks winless after four.

Hawthorn forward Jarryd Roughead booted three of his five goals in the final term, but it wasn't enough after his side had clawed back from a 19-point halftime deficit.

Riewoldt and Chris Newman finished with three each for the Tigers with Roughead supported by Shaun Burgoyne and Matt Spangher with doubles in front of 8601 in Launceston.

Hawthorn went into the game against the near full-strength Tigers without a number of big guns, including Lance Franklin, Cyril Rioli and captain Luke Hodge but Burgoyne and Grant Birchall made their first appearances of the year.

Richmond were all over them early and kicked four of the first five goals to race out to a 19-point lead.

But three goals in quick succession to Shane Savage, Jed Anderson and Burgoyne saw the Hawks finish the first term the stronger and at level pegging.

The Tigers came our growling in the second, booting four of the five goals to go to the long break up 0.8.4 to 0.5.3.

Riewoldt provided the comedy when he spectacularly somersaulted over the boundary fence and into one of the stands at Aurora, emerging unscathed moments later.

Hawthorn clawed their way back, kicking the first three goals of the third - two to Spangher - to narrow the margin to just three.

They hit the lead when Derick Wanganeen goaled but Richmond led by two points when Bachar Houli kicked a major on the stroke of three-quartertime.

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